Fresh Expressions “Vision Day” is coming!

Jesus reminds us how important each person is when he tells the story of the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep to search for the one lost sheep. So how important is that one lost sheep to you and your church? If your answer is “really important,” then you’ll want to attend the Fresh Expressions “Vision Day” coming Saturday, March 16th, at Columbia City United Methodist Church near Fort Wayne. For more information and to register click here. Act now because the early-bird rate ends March 10th!

Fresh Expressions is a model of outreach especially for churches that are seeking to be more missional. It is one of the most effective ways for a church to reach and disciple persons who have no interest in attending a church. It is a model that can be initiated by as few as a single person and it doesn’t necessarily require a lot of money. It is a model that all sizes of churches can do, and in all ministry contexts. All it requires is a bit of understanding and a heart for those outside the church that Jesus referred to as the lost.

Emily Reece, Director of Church Development, and I had the privilege of visiting Wildwood United Methodist Church in Wildwood, Florida. Even though only 110 people attended the church’s worship services, the church has over a dozen Fresh Expression groups meeting every week. We visited the church’s Higher Power Hour (yoga) and Bibles and Burritos, which meets at a Moe’s Southwest Grill. They also have Fresh Expressions in a tattoo parlor, hair salon, and dog park. They have groups that are for people who like to run, and people who like art. The church has a culture of going out into the community to build relationships and disciple their friends and neighbors, and Fresh Expressions is how they mainly do it!

The church’s pastor, Michael Beck, will be one of the two people leading the Vision Day training on March 16th, so don’t miss out! Sign up today. That little lost sheep is counting on you and your church!